When travelers think of Vietnam’s culinary delights, the mind often jumps to steaming bowls of pho or sizzling street-side banh xeo. But hidden in the quiet corners of local markets, village teahouses, and urban cafés is a lesser-known world of Vietnamese wellness drinks—steeped in tradition, nature, and health.

A Culture of Healing in Every Sip

Vietnamese people have long embraced the idea that food and drink can heal. Influenced by both traditional Chinese medicine and indigenous knowledge, Vietnam’s healthy brews aren’t just thirst quenchers—they’re elixirs rooted in balance, longevity, and daily wellbeing.

From the north to the south, you’ll find a variety of herbal infusions, each with its own purpose: cooling the body, aiding digestion, detoxifying the liver, or simply calming the mind. Whether served piping hot or refreshingly chilled, these drinks tell stories of Vietnam’s deep respect for nature and wellness.

Must-Try Vietnamese Wellness Drinks

Lotus Tea (Trà Sen)

One of Vietnam’s most iconic teas, lotus tea is a fragrant blend where green tea leaves are infused with fresh lotus flowers. Popular in Hanoi and surrounding provinces, trà sen is a symbol of purity and calmness. It’s not just a beverage—it’s a meditative experience.

Artichoke Tea (Trà Atiso)

Originally from Da Lat, artichoke tea (both red and green versions) is known for its detoxifying properties and ability to support liver health. The flavor is earthy and slightly sweet, often surprising first-time tasters with its refreshing finish.

Cooling Herbal Drink (Nước mát)

Literally translated as “cooling water,” nước mát is a dark, bittersweet blend of various herbs and roots like grass jelly, sugarcane, and corn silk. It’s a popular choice in southern Vietnam, especially during the hot summer months.

Imperata Root Tea (Rễ tranh)

This lesser-known brew is made from the roots of the Imperata grass. Commonly used as a traditional remedy for urinary issues and to reduce internal heat, it’s often served alongside meals in rural areas.

Cold Ginseng Tea (Sâm lạnh)

Not to be confused with Korean ginseng, Vietnam’s sâm lạnh is a unique blend that may include licorice root, dried longan, chrysanthemum, and jujube. This slightly sweet, dark drink is served cold and is considered a powerful energizer.

Voi Leaves Tea (Lá Vối)

Popular in the northern countryside, lá vối tea is made from sun-dried leaves of the Vối tree. It is believed to aid digestion and regulate blood sugar—often consumed daily by older generations.

Where to Try Vietnam’s Healthy Brews

Looking to sip your way through Vietnam’s wellness heritage? Here are some must-visit places across the country where you can experience authentic, delicious, and health-boosting brews:

Hanoi: Tradition Meets Tranquility

• Đinh Café (13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Kiếm): A cozy, old-style café with a view of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Ask for lotus tea or herbal options made in-house.

• Trà Thái Lâm (Cầu Gỗ Street): A small but beloved tea shop offering lotus-scented teas and northern-style herbal infusions.

• Tea Houses in the Old Quarter: Look out for local teahouses tucked away in ancient alleys—some even serve tea in traditional ceramic cups with soft background music.

Da Lat: The Artichoke Capital

• L’angfarm (multiple locations): Known for high-quality dried artichoke tea and herbal blends, available hot or packaged to take home.

• Dalat Night Market: Grab a cup of hot red artichoke tea from a street vendor while strolling among flowers and fresh produce.

• Phố Núi Tea Café: Offers a wide range of Da Lat’s local teas with scenic views of the misty hills.

Ho Chi Minh City: Wellness with a Modern Twist

• The Herbal Cup (District 1): A contemporary tea bar that reinvents traditional Vietnamese herbal drinks with trendy presentations.

• R House (District 3): A lifestyle café serving cold ginseng tea, lotus tea, and other infused drinks with a creative twist.

• Ben Thanh Market: For the more adventurous, local stalls sell pre-packed herbal blends or will brew you a cup on the spot.

Hue: Ancient Recipes from the Imperial Past

• Tinh Tam Lake Teahouses: Located near former imperial sites, these tranquil teahouses often serve royal-inspired herbal infusions.

• Dong Ba Market: Offers rare herbs and leaves used in traditional central Vietnamese brews—perfect if you want to try making your own!

• Mekong Delta: Local Wisdom in Every Glass

• Floating Markets (Cai Rang, Phong Dien): Vendors offer nước mát, sugarcane juice with pennywort, or even lá vối tea straight from their boats.

• Home Stays in Ben Tre or Vinh Long: Many host families grow their own herbs and love to share a fresh brew with guests—don’t hesitate to ask.

Tip for Travelers: When exploring markets or rural areas, ask locals for “nước mát” or “trà thảo mộc” (herbal tea)—even if there’s no signboard, chances are they’re brewing something good behind the counter.

A Journey into Vietnam’s Herbal Wisdom

Exploring Vietnam’s healthy brews is more than a culinary excursion—it’s a cultural immersion. Every sip offers insight into how Vietnamese people care for themselves and the land around them. In a time when the world is rediscovering slow living and natural remedies, these local elixirs stand as delicious proof that ancient wisdom is never out of style.

So next time you’re wandering through Vietnam’s vibrant streets, don’t just eat your way through the country—drink deeply, and let Vietnam’s herbal soul nourish you.